As part of her programme of engagements in Melbourne, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca attended and addressed a Business Networking event organised by the Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce.
President Coleiro Preca spoke about the need for bilateral trade between the two countries to be developed further, “in spite of Malta’s strong connections with Australia, bilateral trade is so limited”.
The President said that distance should not be seen as a deterrent to improve trade and business relations, adding that Malta already enjoys trade and business relations with Asian countries.
President Coleiro Preca outlined the benefits which Malta has to offer.
“Malta offers a perfect gateway for the European Union market – a market of over 500 million people.” She also spoke about dual citizenship, an opportunity which Malta offers to the Maltese and their descendants in Australia, adding that this opens a wide spectrum of opportunities, not just in Malta, but in all EU member states.
Finally, President Coleiro Preca encouraged those present to be innovative and resourceful, to think outside the box and to take up all the potential opportunities, to penetrate the untapped markets that both Malta and Australia have to offer.
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was accompanied by Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change José Herrera who also addressed those present.